Author: Allen Brown
Of course, you love your dog and want to give him the most delicious snacks. You might even convince yourself that sharing some of your food doesn’t hurt. However, one thing should be certain. As much as you love your dog, there are some foods you can’t feed him.
Should you share your morning sandwich with him when he’s staring at you as you munch away? Is it safe to give him some candy when he’s restless as you shop at the store? If it’s confusing for you to decide what’s safe or not, this list will help you.
To be sure your dog is eating the right food, here is a guideline.
1. Macadamia Nuts
As delicious as they are for humans, macadamia nuts aren’t good for your dog. Vomiting, weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia are some of the problems associated with feeding macadamia nuts to dogs. You’re likely to notice the symptoms within 12 hours of feeding. Unfortunately, the symptoms can last up to 48 hours.
2. Bacon
Like other fatty and salty foods, bacon isn’t good for your dog due to the risk of obesity when taken in excess. In a recent piece that tackled if can dogs eat bacon, pet content author Jovan advises against letting your pooch eat raw bacon. Among other ailments, raw bacon increases their chances of suffering from pancreatitis and trichinosis.
Bacon is best taken cooked and in small quantities once in a while. Give bacon in moderation and observe your dog’s reaction. If your dog starts vomiting, let your vet know.
3. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener found in candy and some baked treats. The danger in feeding this to your dog is liver failure. Other symptoms include vomiting and coordination difficulties. Your dog can also be lethargic as a result of xylitol and start experiencing seizures.
4. Grapes
Like raisins, grapes can cause your dog’s kidney to fail. One of the earliest signs of illness is vomiting. Later, your dog can become depressed and lethargic. Plus, dehydration can occur as well as poor appetite. Long-term kidney problems can cause death within days, and you don’t want to lose your lovely canine friend. Always ensure you keep grapes away from your dog’s reach.
5. Onions and Garlic
You can give your dog carrots and celery but not onions and garlic. Chives are also dangerous for dogs. Eating garlic and onions in large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal irritation or even anemia. Symptoms from garlic poisoning may not occur immediately, but you should keep a close eye on your dog.
6. Chocolate
When it comes to chocolate, even tiny amounts can be dangerous. Why? Methylxanthine, a toxic substance found in chocolate, can interfere with a dog’s metabolism. The result is diarrhea and vomiting when given in small amounts. Large amounts of chocolate, especially the dark type, can lead to seizures. In extreme reactions, chocolate can be fatal.
7. Cinnamon
Avoid giving your dog cinnamon as it can irritate their mouths. It can also lower their blood sugar and cause vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, cinnamon can interfere with your dog’s heart rate and eventually cause liver disease. It’s also best to keep cinnamon powder away from dogs as inhalation can also lead to coughs and choking or even difficulties in breathing.
8. Ice cream
Even when it’s sweltering outside, don’t give your dog ice cream. Ice cream is a sugar-laden treat that you should keep away from your dog. If your dog is lactose intolerant, ice cream is also a bad idea. Instead, you can give your dog some frozen fruit such as apples and strawberries.
9. Avocado
For humans, avocado has excellent health benefits, but not for dogs. Persin, a substance in avocado, can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, especially when given large amounts. Avocado seeds, leaves, and fruit contain persin, so keep your dog off the garden if you have trees growing there.
10. Alcohol
Drinks, syrups, and even bread dough can contain toxic amounts of alcohol for dogs. If your dog has alcohol intoxication, some of the symptoms are vomiting, soaring body temperature, disorientation, and tremors. Your dog may also be panting excessively or experience seizures. The bad news is your dog may even die if organs start failing.
11. Almonds
Unlike macadamia nuts, almonds aren’t toxic. But, ingestion of almonds presents a risk of a blocked esophagus. If not properly chewed, almonds can also tear your dog’s trachea. Worse still, if your dog eats salted almonds, there’s a risk of water retention and even death.
Pets are like family, and it’s easy to share meals with them, but there are lines we shouldn’t cross. While you should give foods like bacon in moderation, others like macadamia nuts and ice cream are an outright no. You should also avoid giving your dog onions and alcohol. All these foods might pose a risk of vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, and even death.
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